Manchester United are gearing up to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this weekend in what promises to be another intense encounter between these top-four rivals.
The Red Devils have been tipped to topple their London counterparts to the Premier League runners-up spot in our Man United season preview.
However, despite picking up six points from a possible nine in their first three Premier League fixtures, they haven’t done enough to suggest they will live up to our expectations.
Last weekend, Erik ten Hag’s side were fortunate to get the better of Nottingham Forest after falling two goals behind inside the opening four minutes of the contest.
They secured a comeback victory thanks to Christian Eriksen’s first-half strike and a captain’s performance from Bruno Fernandes in the second period.
While they showed great character in overcoming a difficult situation, they will need to raise their game to conquer Arsenal in Sunday’s mouth-watering showdown. If you are looking to bet on this blockbuster fixture, click here to claim a betting bonus and get started.
The Emirates has not been a happy hunting ground for Man United over the years as they have failed to come away from their visits to North London with a victory in their last five attempts (D1, L4).
Their away record is further proof that Ten Hag may need to whip up a special formula to get a positive result this weekend, as Man United have won just one of their last five games on the road (L4).
Defensive injuries to Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw have further weakened a starting XI that is not complete and needs reinforcements to be competitive at the top end of the league table.
Transfers to expect before Friday’s deadline
Marc Cucurella – Chelsea
Man United are in dire need of reinforcements at left-back before the transfer window closes, and you’d be better off counting the number of full-backs that haven’t been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, it appears Chelsea’s Cucurella has emerged as the primary target for the Red Devils amid reports that an official proposal has been lodged.
Chelsea are open to doing business for the Spanish defender, who has been deemed surplus to requirement, so we expect that deal to go through – assuming both clubs can agree on a suitable loan fee.
Sofyan Amrabat – Fiorentina
Midfield reinforcement has also been of paramount importance to Ten Hag this summer, considering how his side has performed thus far.
Amrabat has been the prominent name linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams, but Man United require funds from player sales to formalise their interest in the World Cup star.
Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay represent their best avenue in raising funds, but deals for either player have stalled.
If the Red Devils are to sign Amrabat, they may be better off sanctioning an initial loan deal, which Fiorentina will reportedly be open to.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Tottenham Hotspur
Man United have also been offered the chance to speak to Tottenham outcast Hojbjerg over a potential deal.
Any deal for the Danish midfielder seems wide off the mark for now despite Spurs’ willingness to listen to offers.
However, keep an eye on this one, considering clubs tend to sanction shocking deals out of desperation, especially on deadline day.
